This refreshing Cucumber and Mint Salad is a crisp, cooling dish perfect for warm days or as a light side for any meal.
Packed with hydrating cucumbers, fresh mint, and a touch of healthy fats from olive oil, it’s low in calories, naturally gluten-free, and quick to prepare. Its simple, flavorful ingredients make it an ideal everyday salad.
Cucumber Mint Salad
Equipment
- 1 colander
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
- 1 Small Bowl (for soaking onions)
- 1 Fine-Mesh Strainer
- 1 Clean Dish Towel
Ingredients
- 2 English hothouse cucumbers
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped red onions
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Start by cutting the cucumbers in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to carefully scoop out the seeds, which helps prevent excess water from making the salad soggy. Slice the cucumbers into thin, even pieces and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with salt, toss gently, and let them drain for at least 30 minutes. Once drained, transfer the slices to a clean dish towel and gently pat dry to remove any remaining moisture.
- Soak the Onions: While the cucumbers are draining, place the chopped red onions in a small bowl of ice water. Let them soak for at least 10 minutes. This step reduces the sharpness of the onions and adds a crisp, mild flavor. After soaking, drain the onions thoroughly using a fine mesh strainer.
- Make the Dressing and Combine: In a medium mixing bowl, add the dried cucumbers and soaked onions. Pour in the white wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and vegetable oil. Sprinkle in the sugar and freshly ground black pepper, then add the chopped fresh mint. Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated, ensuring every slice is flavored.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and enhances the refreshing taste. Serve cold as a light side dish, appetizer, or a fresh addition to any meal.
Notes
- Use English (hothouse) cucumbers for crispness and minimal seeds.
- Salting cucumbers helps draw out excess water, preventing a soggy salad.
- Soaking onions in ice water softens sharpness and enhances crunch.
- Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste depending on your preference for sweetness or tang.
- Fresh mint adds bright flavor; avoid dried mint as it can taste flat.
- Toss gently to avoid bruising cucumbers and breaking delicate slices.
- Chill salad for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve immediately after chilling for the freshest texture and flavor.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Salad
Creating a perfectly refreshing cucumber and mint salad comes down to a few key techniques.
Salting the cucumber slices and letting them drain removes extra water, ensuring a crisp texture that won’t turn mushy in the fridge.
Ice water-soaked onions balance pungency with subtle crunch. When combining ingredients, fold gently to preserve the delicate slices.
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of freshly grated zest.
Using fresh, high-quality olive oil elevates the dressing with natural richness and aroma.
Serving Suggestions For Every Occasion
This salad is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a light, refreshing contrast.
It works beautifully as part of a summer picnic or barbecue spread.
For a more substantial meal, layer it over cooked quinoa or couscous, adding extra protein like chickpeas for a quick, wholesome bowl.
Garnish with extra mint or a sprinkle of toasted nuts to add texture and visual appeal.
Storage Tips For Freshness
To maintain crispness, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Avoid adding salt until just before serving if you plan to store it, as cucumbers release water over time.
The salad is best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, to preserve the vibrant flavors and refreshing crunch.
If the salad seems watery after storage, gently drain the excess liquid and pat dry before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cucumbers, onions, and dressing separately in advance.
Combine and chill at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend. Avoid mixing far in advance to prevent soggy cucumbers.
2. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Regular cucumbers work, but they have more seeds and higher water content.
Remove seeds carefully and adjust draining time to maintain a crisp texture.
3. Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making this salad suitable for vegan and gluten-sensitive diets.
4. Can I replace mint with another herb?
Fresh mint provides a signature refreshing flavor, but basil or cilantro can work as alternatives.
Keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
5. How can I make the salad more tangy or sweet?
Adjust the white wine vinegar and sugar according to your taste. For extra tang, add a splash of lemon juice.
For sweeter notes, increase sugar slightly or drizzle a bit of honey.
